Stud alert: Players ready to break out

Bullpride08 · July 14, 2008

if mike ford doesnt get 20 carries a game this year then send gregory packing.

Hold on, hold on, this is where things get a bit mind numbing because folks make statements like this and completely ignore our offensive scheme, and set-up. First, we run a read-option that puts the ball in the QB's hands to make running decisions...so, essentially some carries, or lack thereof, for Ford are not gregory's decision but rather's Matt's decision based on the formations and what the DE's and LB's are doing on the option play.

Second, we have a stable of backs that can get things done, in some cases that have different skill-sets we need to use and implement in our gameplans. You want to get Taylor touches, Williams touches, maybe Samuels and Plancher.

Third, with all that being said, when our offense is on a role and Ford is too, Gregory has already proven that he'll stick with the hot hand...in the last five games he fed the Ford Tough machine. Against UL he had 24 carries, against Cuse 28, against a stingy Pitt D 18...so it's clear now that Ford is the man.

That is a great assessment, and Ford didn't fumble that much, a bit of a joke assessment if you ask me. Since the UCF game Ford fumbled only twice...whereas Grothe fumbled four times in that period. Also, more amazing, AJ Love, fumbled the ball twice in that period. In the spring game Ford didn't fumble at all, but AJ Love fumbled again. Ford didn't lose the ball at the end of the year that much, it is AJ Love that people need to watch about the fumble issues.

Also, Ford looked amazing in the spring game. He showed a burst he didn't show last season, set up his blocks, a quicker cutback, real good at using his footwork...he's poised for a huge year.